more-in The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) would replace overhead cables with an underground cable network in extended areas of the Chennai Corporation. Under the plan, old areas of the Corporation that had been left with overhead lines would also benefit. A senior Tangedco official said the expansion of the Corporation in 2011 had seen several municipalities and panchayats being added to the city limits. Power was supplied in these areas through overhead cable network and now it was proposed to convert the overheadlines into underground cable. Tangedco had estimated that the project would cost ? 2,567 crore. The Power Finance Corporation, from whom financial assistance was sought, had accorded in-principle nod for the project. Call for tenders Tangedco would call for tenders soon for purchasing cables running to hundreds of kilometres covering three circles, including north, west, central and south in the city. The Central circle having the main business centre had already been fully provided with the underground cable network. In the north region covering north and west circles, Napalayam, Vadaperumbakkam, Lakshmipuram, Retteri, Gandhi Nagar, Kolathur, Kodungaiyur, Vyasarpadi, Tiruvottiyur, Ennore, Manali, Ernavoor, Madhavaram, Manjambakkam, Mathur, Sothuperumbedu, Maduravoyal, Menambedu, J.J. Nagar, Red Hills, Alappakkam, Vanagaram, Ayappakkam, Padi, Korattur, and Nolambur had been identified for replacing overhead lines with underground cable. The south region would cover Madipakkam, Nanganallaur, Medavakkam, Pallavaram, Porur, Virugambakkam, Valasaravakkam and parts of Tambaram. Some areas such as Velacherry, Guindy, Adyar and K.K.Nagar would also be taken up for conversion. Planning stage The official said the project was in the planning stage and it was expected to begin only by the start of next year. Once the tendering for the cable procurement is finalised, the project would be completed within two years. The reason why the electricity department wanted to go for an underground cable network is to prevent instances of electrocution, which are common when cables snap during rains and windy conditions. Also, underground cables would also help in avoiding low voltage complaints, a persistent issue among residents of the suburbs in the city, the Tangedco official added.

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